WVU Launches Annual Financial Literacy Conference
West Virginia University has kicked off its 23rd annual financial literacy conference for K-12 educators, drawing teachers and professors from across the state to Morgantown. Hosted by the John Chambers College of Business & Economics, the event aims to empower educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to teach personal finance effectively to their students.
The conference, known as Finance University, began Monday morning and runs through the week, concluding Thursday evening. It is designed to strengthen financial literacy instruction in West Virginia’s schools, equipping teachers with both the confidence and resources to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
Record Turnout Reflects High Demand for Financial Education
This year’s conference has drawn the largest group of participants in its history. Dean Joshua Hall of the Chambers College welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of continuing education in financial literacy. “This year’s turnout has been the highest it’s ever been. There’s a great demand by teachers in the state for more continuing education, especially around financial literacy,” Hall said. “We see quite a number of outcomes. One of them is students get better financial literacy. They have the savings and wherewithal to be more successful in their adult life.”
The 2025 conference theme, “Teaching Personal Finance for Lifelong Success,” underscores the university’s mission to prepare students for a financially secure future.
Support from Key Partners Drives Success
This year’s event was made possible through a grant from the Truist West Virginia Foundation and sponsorship from the Equitable Foundation. Jarian Kerekes, President of the Equitable Foundation, addressed attendees during the conference. Reflecting on his personal experience growing up with limited financial knowledge, Kerekes expressed his enthusiasm for supporting such educational initiatives. “It’s a no-brainer for Equitable to be involved,” he said. “Helping teachers build stronger financial literacy in the next generation is something we deeply believe in.”
The financial support from these organizations ensures that educators not only attend the conference at minimal cost but also benefit from high-quality content curated by experts in the field.
Engaging Events and Practical Learning
Alongside lectures and workshops, the conference includes several engaging activities to enrich the experience. On the first evening, attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the West Virginia University Football facility. The day concluded with a dinner at the Diversified Energy Terrace at Milan Puskar Stadium, offering a scenic and social setting for educators to network and share ideas.
Participants also explored a wide range of topics throughout the week, including AI integration in finance education, understanding tax systems, and retirement planning. These subjects are designed to reflect both current trends and essential financial principles that students will carry with them into adulthood.
Empowering Educators for a Financially Literate Future
Finance University continues to serve as a model for financial literacy education events. With its combination of expert-led sessions, hands-on training, and community-building opportunities, the event equips teachers with the skills to foster financial awareness in their classrooms and beyond.
As financial literacy becomes increasingly essential in today’s economy, the role of educators in guiding students toward responsible financial decision-making has never been more critical. WVU’s ongoing commitment to supporting these educators through Finance University demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to preparing the next generation for success.
By the end of the week, participants will return to their schools with new strategies, tools, and a renewed passion for teaching personal finance—an investment that will yield returns for years to come.
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